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Flashcards: Physiology final study guide
Active Immunity
Immunity developed from exposure to antigens, leading to antibody production.
Antibody
Protein produced by B cells to neutralize or destroy pathogens.
Antigen Presentation
Process where immune cells display antigens to T cells, initiating an immune response.
B Lymphocyte (B Cell)
White blood cell responsible for producing antibodies.
Chemotaxis
Movement of cells toward chemical signals, typically at infection sites.
Compliment System
A group of proteins that assist in destroying pathogens.
Cytokines
Signaling proteins that regulate immune responses.
Dendritic Cells
Antigen-presenting cells that activate T cells.
Histamines
Chemicals released by mast cells causing inflammation.
Innate Immunity
Non-specific defense mechanisms active from birth.
Lymph Node
Small structures that filter lymph and house immune cells.
Lymphocyte
White blood cells (B and T cells) involved in adaptive immunity.
Macrophage
Large immune cells that engulf pathogens via phagocytosis.
Membrane Attack Complexes
Structures formed by complement proteins to lyse pathogens.
Natural Killer Cells
Immune cells that destroy infected or cancerous cells.
Opsonization
Coating pathogens with antibodies to enhance phagocytosis.
Phagocytosis
The engulfing and digestion of pathogens by immune cells.
Barrier Protection
Physical and chemical defenses like skin and mucus.
Biopotential Stage
Early embryonic stage where sex organs can develop as male or female.
Blastulation
Formation of a blastula (hollow ball of cells) in early embryonic development.
Cervix
Lower part of the uterus, opening into the vagina.
Clitoris
Female erectile tissue.
Corpus Luteum
Temporary endocrine structure producing progesterone after ovulation.
Egg
Female gamete.
Embryo
Early developmental stage following fertilization.
Endometrium
Uterine lining that thickens for potential implantation.
Estradiol/Estrogen
Hormones regulating female reproductive functions.
Fallopian Tube (Oviduct)
Tubes through which eggs travel to the uterus.
Fertilization
Fusion of sperm and egg to form a zygote.
Fetus
Developing human after the embryonic stage.
Follicle
Structure in ovaries housing developing eggs.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Hormone stimulating gamete production.
Gamete
Reproductive cell (sperm or egg).
Gastrulation
Formation of three germ layers in an embryo.
Gonads
Organs producing gametes (ovaries or testes).
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Hormone maintaining the corpus luteum during pregnancy.
Implantation
Attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall.
Inhibin
Hormone that regulates FSH levels.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Hormone triggering ovulation.
Meiosis
Cell division producing gametes.
Menses/Menstruation
Shedding of the uterine lining.
Oogonia
Immature female reproductive cells.
Ovaries
Female gonads producing eggs and hormones.
Ovulation
Release of an egg from the ovary.
Polar Body
Small byproduct of oocyte division.
Progesterone
Hormone supporting pregnancy.
Spermatogenesis
Production of sperm.
Spermatozoa
Mature sperm cells.
Zygote
Fertilized egg cell.
Epididymis
Stores and matures sperm.
Flagella
Tail-like structure aiding sperm movement.
Penis
Male reproductive organ.
Prostate
Gland producing seminal fluid.
Scrotum
External pouch housing testes.
Seminal Vesicle
Gland contributing to semen.
Testes
Male gonads producing sperm and testosterone.
Vas Deferens
Tube transporting sperm.
Labia (Majora and Minora)
External folds protecting the vaginal opening.
Uterus
Organ supporting embryo and fetus development.
Vagina
Birth canal and reproductive tract.
Vulva
External female genitalia.
Peyer’s Patches
Immune tissue in the small intestine.
Placenta
Organ exchanging nutrients and waste between mother and fetus.
SRY Region
Gene determining male development.
Thymus
Organ where T cells mature.
Tonsils
Lymphatic tissue protecting against pathogens.
Umbilical Cord
Connects fetus to placenta.
Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity
Innate is immediate and non-specific; adaptive is specific and involves memory.
Active vs. Passive Immunity
Active is developed by exposure to antigens; passive is acquired through antibodies from another source.
Naturally vs. Artificially Acquired Immunity
Naturally acquired through infection; artificially through vaccination.
Antigen Presentation
Essential for activating adaptive immunity.
Inflammation
Body’s response to injury or infection.
Lymphatic System
Filters lymph and supports immune responses.
Male and Female Anatomy
Understand structures and their functions.
Gametogenesis
Differences in sperm and egg production.
Menstrual Cycle
Phases (follicular, ovulation, luteal, menstruation) and hormone roles.
Ovulation and Fertilization
Events leading to zygote formation.
Pregnancy
Role of hormones, placenta development, and implantation.
Puberty
Hormonal changes triggering sexual maturity.